Dr. Miguel A. Cardona was sworn in as the 12th U.S. secretary of education in March. The son of Puerto Rican immigrants grew up in public housing, and education provided his ticket to success. He began his career as an elementary school teacher and award-winning principal, and until recently served as commissioner of education for Connecticut’s public schools. President Joe Biden called the new education secretary a “lifelong champion of public education.” In an exclusive interview with ESSENCE, Cardona discusses the impact of COVID-19, resources for students, and the path forward for kids, parents and educators, alike. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted everything for students, parents and teachers. What’s the message the Department of Education wants to stress moving forward?